The remnants of Hurricane Ike battered Ohio last Sunday, knocking out electrical service for 2.6 million customers.
Wind reaching 78 mph swept across the region and at least seven of the 56 deaths blamed on Hurricane Ike were in Ohio. Toppling trees fell on homes, blocked roads and brought down power lines.
American Electric Power crews were working to restore power to 163 customers in Franklin County on Tuesday evening, 10TV News reported.
Earlier this week, AEP said that most customers would have their power restored by Sunday.
In Delaware County, 113 customers were still without power, while 338 customers in Athens County were still in the dark.
Glenn White of Reynoldsburg got electricity service restored only late Monday night after more than a week without power.
"Four or five days like everyone else, we can do that," White told 10TV News Monday evening before the power came back on. "But we're still suffering."
Utility companies urged patience as crews move from fixing larger circuits to smaller ones, which can slow the pace of repairs. They also caution customers to be alert to any lingering hazards, such as downed lines.
To report outages to AEP, call AEP customer service at 800-277-2177.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions were provided by the City of Columbus:
Who do I call to report a power outage?
Columbus power customers without electricity should call 614-645-1518, 645-6174 or 615-7626.
American Electric Power customers without power should call 800-277-2177.
What should I do when I see an inoperable traffic light?
Drive slowly and cautiously and treat all inoperative traffic lights as four-way stops.
What if I see a dangling power line?
Avoid all damaged power lines, and report them to 911. Citizens reporting non-emergency
service issues, such as a downed tree blocking a street, should call 614-645-3111.
How do I know if a downed line has already been reported?
If you see yellow, orange or red scene tape the fire department has already responded, there
is no need to call again. Call 911 if the wires are causing a fire.
Are regular emergency services up and running?
Yes, citizens reporting any emergency should continue to call 911. Citizens reporting
non-emergency crimes should call 614-645-4545.
What do I do with tree limbs in my own yard?
Put yard waste in biodegradable bags near the curb for collection on your scheduled
collection day. Bundle sticks and tree limbs with twine or string-but keep bundles no more than
four feet long and two feet wide. Larger limbs must be cut up or collected by a private agency. Do
not risk serious injury by climbing trees or rooftops to cut limbs yourself if you are not a
professional. Yard waste can also be taken free of charge 7-3 to the City of Columbus Compost
Facility at 7000 Jackson Pike (S.R. 104). For hours and directions call the Compost Facility at
614-645-3153.
I have a generator. Is it safe to use?
If you have a generator, use it safely by keeping it outdoors or in a ventilated area.
What should I do for light indoors?
Use flashlights instead of candles whenever possible, and never leave a lit candle unattended
or within the reach of a child.
What if I need a temporary shelter?
Residents whose homes are uninhabitable due to severe damage should call the American Red
Cross at 614-251-1443.
How long can I keep my food?
Discard perishable food that has been in the refrigerator for eight hours since the power
went off and in the freezer for 24 hours since the loss of electricity. Previously cooked leftovers
should be discarded after four hours in a closed refrigerator. Perishables are unsafe for
consumption at temperatures higher than 41 degrees. Licensed food markets, restaurants, delis and
other food service operations utilizing commercial refrigeration equipment are advised to monitor
internal food temperatures. Food items that reach 41F or higher must be cooked and served within 4
hours of reaching that temperature, or they are considered unsafe and must be discarded.
How about medicine that I keep refrigerated?
Ask your pharmacist.
Should I continue to use water regularly?
Conserve water as much as possible, especially in three areas: North of Dublin-Granville Road
(State Route 161) between Dublin and New Albany; Portions of Hilliard north of Scioto Darby Road
and northwest of Cemetery and Avery Roads; the City of Reynoldsburg. Residents in those areas are
asked to limit water usage by not watering their lawns, turning off water while brushing their
teeth and taking shorter showers.
I have power. What can I do to help?
Check in on neighbors without power, especially senior citizens or those with health
problems. Help clear debris from streets, yards and sidewalks in your neighborhood.
Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for continuing coverage.
